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Final Project Reports will be available as .pdf
documents. For more information about Acrobat PDF, please check
our PDF Information Page. You may
obtain a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader at the following location: 
Index of Projects:
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| Butterfly
and Skipper Survey on the Sheyenne National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
The Sheyenne National Grassland encompasses North Dakota's largest
tract of tall grass prairie. Several rare species, including Regal
Fritillary, Powesheik Skipper, Dakota Skipper, and Argos Skipper
have been found on the Sheyenne National Grassland. In order to
facilitate these species' management, a better understanding of
their local distribution is needed. This project will help fill
that need.
METHODS:
A survey contract will be signed in spring 2001. The successful
bidder will inventory approximately 30,000 acres over the course
of 3 years (2001-2003).
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report will be produced by April 1, 2004. The report will
include a discussion on the status and relative health of the
Sheyenne National Grassland's butterfly and skipper community,
as well as maps showing location data for the species encountered.
Interim Report
(243kb)
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| Golden
Eagle Nest Survey on the Little Missouri National Grassland
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OBJECTIVE:
In the late 1980's, the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, North Dakota
Game and Fish Department, and U.S.D.I. Fish and Wildlife Service
jointly inventoried nesting raptors on and near the Little Missouri
National Grassland. No systematic effort has been made to update
this data since 1993. This project will investigate the status
of approximately 300 known Golden Eagle nests on the Little Missouri
National Grassland.
METHODS:
A contract biologist was hired in spring 2001. This contractor
will investigate each known Golden Eagle nest to determine whether
the nest is still intact, and if so, whether it is occupied.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report, documenting the condition and status of each known
nest, will be completed by November 30, 2001.
Final
Report (96kb)
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| Bird
Monitoring on the Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands,
1999-2000 |
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OBJECTIVE:
Little is known of the distribution and density of grassland birds
on the Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands. Of particular
concern are burrowing owl, loggerhead shrike, Baird's sparrow,
and Sprague's pipit. This report will summarize bird monitoring
efforts conducted in 1999 and 2000 that targeted these species.
METHODS:
Volunteer birders surveyed several black-tailed prairie dog towns
for burrowing owls, and drove along prairie trails, stopping regularly
to look and listen for loggerhead shrikes, Baird's sparrows, and
Sprague's pipits.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A summary report will be completed by November, 2000.
Final Report
(232kb)
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| Bird
Populations on the Little Missouri National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
In 1967, and again in 1992/93, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research
Center inventoried breeding bird populations across North Dakota.
From this data, the researchers were able to calculate statewide
breeding bird population sizes. This study will use similar methods
to determine breeding bird populations on the 1.1 million acre,
Little Missouri National Grassland.
METHODS:
In summer 2002 and 2003, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
staff will use area-search techniques to quantify the number of
breeding birds on randomly chosen quarter-sections.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report, containing estimates of breeding bird populations,
will be completed by April 1, 2004.
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| Terrestrial
Insect Response to Fire on the Little Missouri National Grassland
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OBJECTIVE:
This project's purpose is to determine how terrestrial insect
diversity in woody draws is impacted by wild fire.
METHODS:
A contract will be awarded in spring 2001. The successful bidder
will use pitfall traps, funnel traps, and flight intercept traps
to assess terrestrial insect diversity and density, in both burned
and unburned woody draws. Field sampling will be completed between
June 1 and August 30, 2001.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report will be completed by April 1, 2002. The report
will contain a species list, a description of each species' habitat
association, and a discussion on the impact of the wild fire,
and the overall status and relative health of the terrestrial
insect community.
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| Prairie
Dog Colony Mapping on the Little Missouri National Grassland
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OBJECTIVE:
In 1997, approximately 123 colonies covering about 3,000 acres
were mapped on the Little Missouri National Grassland, while approximately
19 colonies on about 1,600 acres were mapped on the Grand River
National Grassland. This project will remap known prairie dog
colonies in 2001.
METHODS:
Forest Service personnel and contract biologists will map prairie
dog colonies on the Grand River and Little Missouri National Grasslands
in summer 2001, using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
Updated Geographic Information System (GIS) maps will be available
in spring 2002.
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| Prairie
Grouse Monitoring Plan for the Dakota Prairie Grasslands |
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OBJECTIVE:
The Sharp-tailed Grouse is classified as a management indicator
species on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Under the proposed revised
management plan, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Greater Prairie Chicken,
and Greater Sage Grouse would all be considered management indicator
species. Management indicator species populations are monitored
to assess the impact of land management. Implementation of population
monitoring is complicated by administrative and biological factors.
This project will design a statistically sound approach for monitoring
prairie grouse populations and habitat over the next several years.
METHODS:
Researchers at North Dakota State University will cooperatively
develop a prairie grouse habitat and population monitoring plan
in 2001. Past monitoring results will be used as test data sets.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report outlining monitoring methodology will be completed
by March 2002.
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| A
Survey of the Grand River National Grassland for Baird's Sparrows,
Sprague's Pipits, Burrowing Owls and Other South Dakota Sensitive
Bird Species |
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OBJECTIVE:
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department is interested in
the distribution and status of several bird species that occur
on the Grand River National Grassland. Of particular interest
are burrowing owls, Baird's sparrows, Sprague's pipits, and common
poorwills. This report summarizes species-specific monitoring
efforts conducted by the Department in 2001.
METHODS:
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department contracted a biologist
to survey the Grand River National Grassland for burrowing owls,
Baird's sparrows, Sprague's pipits, and common poorwills. Observations
of other species of concern, including upland sandpiper and great
blue heron, were also recorded. Baird's sparrows and Sprague's
pipits were surveyed along 10 road-based routes, totaling 150
miles. Sampling stations were located along these routes, at one-mile
intervals. All birds detected during a 10-minute period were recorded.
Seven nighttime routes were surveyed for common poorwills. Burrowing
owls were censused by visiting each prairie dog colony on or adjacent
to the Grand River National Grassland from 3-11 August, 2001.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A summary report was completed in November, 2001.
Final Report (283kb)
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| Native
Fish Inventory on the Little Missouri National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
Little is known of prairie stream ecology. Past surveys in western
North Dakota have focused on the larger rivers, such as the Yellowstone,
Little Missouri, and Missouri. This project will describe the
native fish community on the Little Missouri National Grassland's
smaller streams.
METHODS:
Under a cooperative agreement, University of Idaho biologists
will seine and electroshock various prairie streams on the Little
Missouri National Grassland in summer 2001.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report, containing survey results, and a discussion on
the relative health of the native fish community, will be available
by March 15, 2002.
Interim Report
(130kb)
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| Native Fish
Inventory on the Sheyenne National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
Little is known of prairie stream ecology. Past surveys in eastern
North Dakota have focused on the larger rivers, such as the Sheyenne,
James, and Red. This project will describe the native fish community
on the Sheyenne National Grassland's smaller streams.
METHODS:
Fish biologists will be contracted to seine and electroshock various
streams on the Sheyenne National Grassland in summer 2000.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report, containing survey results, and a discussion on
the relative health of the native fish community, will be available
in January 2001.
Final Report (197kb)
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| Sagebrush
Habitat Study on the Little Missouri National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
In North Dakota, Big Sagebrush habitat is limited, being largely
restricted to Slope and Bowman Counties. This unique habitat is
important to several species of concern, including Greater Sage
Grouse and Brewer's Sparrow. No research has been conducted on
these species' ecology in the state. This project will help provide
answers necessary for effective species management.
METHODS:
South Dakota State University, working under a cooperative agreement,
will determine the distribution, contiguousness, taxonomic status,
plant association, and cover characteristics of big sagebrush
habitat on the Little Missouri National Grassland (LMNG) in summer
2001. South Dakota State University researchers will also determine
habitat relationships between LMNG sage grouse and big sagebrush
habitats, by comparing used and unused sage grouse habitat in
summer 2001. In addition, breeding birds in sagebrush habitats
will be surveyed.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A written report summarizing study methods, results, and discussion,
will be available May 1, 2002. This project may be extended into
2004, depending on the availability of additional funding.
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| Burrowing
Owl Ecology on the Little Missouri National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
Burrowing owls, a Forest Service sensitive species, have declined
in many areas of their range. Surveys conducted on the Dakota Prairie
in 1997 showed low numbers. This study will determine burrowing
owl population distribution and density on the Little Missouri National
Grassland. In addition, researchers will characterize burrowing
owl nesting habitat at the local and landscape levels, and develop
management strategies.
METHODS:
Working under a cooperative agreement with Rocky Mountain College,
researchers will conduct field work in spring and summer 2001.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A written report summarizing study methods, results, and discussion,
will be available January 15, 2002.
Final Report (206kb)
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| Small
Mammal Diversity on the Sheyenne National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
Small mammals play an integral part in the functioning of prairie
ecosystems. No inventory work has been conducted on this important
component on the Sheyenne National Grassland. This study will
help fill that data gap.
METHODS:
Researchers from the University of North Dakota will survey the
Sheyenne National Grassland's small mammal community, by using
standard live trapping and pitfall trapping techniques. Field
work is expected to occur in summer 2001.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
Researchers will complete a study report by December 15, 2001.
Interim Report
(279kb)
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| Northern
Leopard Frog Population Estimation on the Sheyenne National Grassland
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OBJECTIVE:
Northern Leopard Frogs are classified as a sensitive species in
Forest Service Region One, due to population declines in montane
park habitats. This species is abundant on the Sheyenne National
Grassland, though no effort has been made to quantify the population.
This study will determine frog abundance and distribution.
METHODS:
Researchers from the University of North Dakota will survey the
Sheyenne National Grassland's frog, by using standard live trapping
techniques. Field work is expected to occur in summer 2001 and
2002.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
Researchers will complete an interim study report by December
15, 2001.
Interim Report
(501kb)
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| Native
Fish Inventory on the Cedar River National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
No fish inventory has ever been conducted on the Cedar River National
Grassland. This project will provide that needed information.
METHODS:
The streams and scour pools on the Cedar River National Grassland
will be seined and electroshocked in summer 2001, by a contract
biologist.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report, summarizing the fish diversity and density found,
will be available by September 15, 2001
Final Report (105kb)
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| Native
Fish Inventory on the Grand River National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
Past fish surveys on and near the Grand River National Grassland
have focused on the larger streams, notably the North Fork Grand
River and South Fork Grand River. No information is available
on the fish communities found on the smaller tributaries. This
project will determine fish density and diversity in these systems.
METHODS:
In summer 2001, perennial streams and scour pools on the Grand
River National Grassland will be seined and electroshocked by
a contract biologist. Data collected will include fish diversity
and abundance, as well as general details on habitat conditions.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report will be available by November 30, 2001.
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| Raptor
Response to Disturbance on the Little Missouri National Grassland
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OBJECTIVE:
An important consideration in energy development on the Dakota
Prairie Grasslands is limiting the potential adverse impact on
nesting raptors. This concern is addressed by applying protective
buffers, which excludes oil well placement within proximity to
occupied nests. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of
these mitigation measures.
METHODS:
Beginning in spring 2002, the University of North Dakota will
initiate a cooperative study on nesting raptors on the Little
Missouri National Grassland. Nest occupancy and productivity rates
will be compared between disturbed and undisturbed areas, to assess
buffer effectiveness. Target species will include nesting golden
eagle, prairie falcon, merlin, ferruginous hawk, and burrowing
owl.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
An initial report will be available by April 1, 2003. This study
will continue into 2003, and may be extended to 2005, depending
on funding.
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| Raptor
Nest Inventory on the Grand River National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
This project's objective is to locate and map raptor nests on
the Grand River National Grassland. Target species include Sharp-shinned
and Cooper's Hawks, Swainson's, Red-tailed, and Ferruginous Hawks,
Golden Eagle, and Merlin. This information will be used during
land management planning to avoid undue nest disturbance.
METHODS:
In spring 2001, contract biologists will survey the National Grassland
between April 15 and June 30, 2001. The contractor will walk all
woody draws, searching for raptor nests. Walking grassland habitats
will not be necessary. However, all trees, buttes, cliffs, and
other high-probability nest substrate will be searched for nesting
raptors.
EXPECTED RESULTS: A final report is due
by November 30, 2001.
Final Report (320kb)
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| Breeding
Bird Populations on the Grand and Cedar River National Grasslands
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OBJECTIVE:
In order to facilitate land management decisions, as well as to
monitor the impact of ongoing management activities, it is important
to have an index of target species populations. On the Dakota
Prairie Grasslands, two important sensitive species are Sprague's
Pipit and Baird's Sparrow. This project will determine breeding
bird population sizes on the Grand River National Grassland, with
an emphasis on Sprague's Pipits and Baird's Sparrows.
METHODS:
Working under a Challenge Cost-share agreement, Rocky Mountain
Bird Observatory staff will use area-search techniques to quantify
the number of breeding birds on randomly chosen quarter-sections
in summer 2002.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report, containing estimates of breeding bird populations,
will be completed by April 1, 2003.
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| Response
of Breeding Birds to Wildfire on the Little Missouri National Grassland
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OBJECTIVE:
During late fall 1999, wildfires on the McKenzie District of the
Little Missouri National Grassland, burned approximately 65,000
acres. This study will investigate the response of breeding birds
to the fire, as part of a multidisciplinary, integrated monitoring
program.
METHODS:
In summer 2001, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center will
conduct bird surveys on the McKenzie District. Breeding bird populations
inside the burn boundaries will be compared to those persisting
outside of the fire area. The focus of this monitoring will be
on two sensitive grassland birds; Baird's Sparrows and Sprague's
Pipits.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A report, summarizing the data recorded and discussing the impact
of the wildfire on breeding bird populations, will be completed
by April 1, 2002.
Interim Report
(64kb)
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| Sedimentation
Rates on the Little Missouri National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
Stock dams have likely impacted native fish habitat quality by
intercepting both water and sediment, but the extent and significance
of this impact is unknown. The objective of this study is to quantify
the amount of sediment that stock dams on the Little Missouri
National Grassland have intercepted.
METHODS:
In summer 2001, researchers from the North Dakota Geologic Survey
will determine sediment processes (yield, average erosion rates)
in drainages relatively unaffected by stock dams, and compare
those processes to those occurring in drainages with numerous
stock dams.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A report, summarizing the data recorded and discussing the impact
of the wildfire on breeding bird populations, will be completed
by April 1, 2002.
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| Merlin
and Cooper's Hawk Density on the Little Missouri National Grassland
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OBJECTIVE:
Merlin and Cooper's Hawks are both considered species of concern
in North Dakota, though each has increased dramatically in recent
decades. No investigation of these raptor's status has been conducted.
This project will determine merlin and Cooper's Hawk productivity,
nesting chronology, and density on the Little Missouri National
Grassland.
METHODS:
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin will survey nesting
merlins and Cooper's Hawks on the Little Missouri National Grassland
in spring and summer 2001.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A project report will be completed by February 1, 2002.
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| Butterfly
and Skipper Survey on the Cedar River National Grassland |
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OBJECTIVE:
The Cedar River National Grassland encompasses 6,700 acres of
mixed-grass prairie and tame-grass pasture in south-central North
Dakota. Several rare butterfly and skipper species may potentially
occur in the general area. In order to facilitate these species'
management, a better understanding of their local distribution
is needed. This project will help fill that need.
METHODS:
A survey contract will be initiated in spring 2001. The contractor
will focus surveys on the 5 grassland units with the greatest
potential for rare butterfly and skipper species.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
The final report was produced in September, 2001. The report includes
a discussion on the status and distribution of the Cedar River
National Grassland's butterfly and skipper community.
Final
Report (524kb)
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| Butterfly
and Skipper Survey on the Denbigh Experimental Forest |
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OBJECTIVE:
The Denbigh Experimental Forest encompasses 640 acres in north-central
North Dakota. Approximately 1/2 of this area is dedicated for
research to determine the feasibility and hardiness of various
tree species. The remainder of the area is dominated by grasses
with scattered native tree and shrub clumps. The grass areas have
received little active management, and might benefit from practices
such as prescribed fire. Before such managment can begin however,
a preliminary assessment of the area's butterfly and skipper community
must be completed. This project will help fill that need.
METHODS:
A survey contract will be initiated in spring 2001.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
A final report will be produced by September 15, 2001. The report
will include a discussion on the status and distribution of Denbigh
Experimental Forest's butterfly and skipper community.
Final
Report (334kb)
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